Hills District Independent HILLS 108 June 2024 | Page 6

INDEPENDENT magazine group HAWKESBURY • HILLS • BLACKTOWN

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LOCAL LIFE

The Hills Shire Council celebrates

the dedication of volunteers

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During national volunteer week council ’ s volunteers were recognised for their commitment to The Hills community at a special awards ceremony at the Pioneer Theatre during National Volunteer Week last month .

The ceremony on Wednesday 22 May , celebrated volunteers for their years of service to the community . The presentation was followed by a performance of Ghost the Musical by Blackout Theatre .

Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi expressed his gratitude to the 1,037 volunteers registered with Council and the thousands of others associated with local community groups for their devotion to making The Hills a more connected and community-centred place .

“ I would like to thank all of our volunteers at Council and across the wider community for their incredible work giving back to our area ,” Mayor Gangemi said .

“ This year ’ s theme ‘ something for everyone ’ represents the diverse range of work our volunteers do for our community .

“ From our Bushcare volunteers who nurture plants , events volunteers who help ensure operations at our events run smoothly , to our Hills Youth Army who provide opportunities and a voice for our young people – and so many more .

“ I ’ d also like to give special thanks to two volunteers who were celebrated at the awards ceremony - Barbara Stewart and Marilyn Stoneham . Together , they have given an amazing 95 years of volunteering to our community .

This year marks Barbara Stewart ’ s 50th year as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels . Over the past half-century , she has delivered meals and provided companionship to hundreds of Meals on Wheels clients .

“ It has been a very enjoyable and interesting experience . I have met some lovely people over the years ,” Barbara said .

Marilyn Stoneham has served the Hills community for 45 years as a Council volunteer at Meals on Wheels and The Hills Shire Library Service , and as a member of the Castle Hill Heritage Park and Castle Hill Showground S355 Advisory Committees .

She has also volunteered for local organisations such as Castle Hill Neighbourhood Watch and Castle Hill

Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi with Barbara Stewart and Marilyn Stoneham at Volunteer Thank You night .

Gazelles Netball Club . For Marilyn , volunteering is about the lasting friendships and connections made within the community .

“ It ’ s the friendships made , and knowing what is going on in the community and the reward of making people happy while giving back ,” Marilyn said .

Council offers a range of volunteering programs including Bushcare , Bidjiwong Community Nursery , Hills Community Care , Justice of the Peace , 355 Committees , Dural Information Centre , Events and more .

To discover current volunteering opportunities , visit The Hills Shire Council ’ s website and search for ‘ Volunteering ’.

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4 ISSUE 108 // JUNE 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT